Why Visual Inspection Is Not Enough With Large Diameter Pipes (And Why Robots Are A Big Help)

Back in the day, scheduling a large pipe inspection, Houston, Texas was a big spectacle that would disrupt lives. It was typical for inspectors to dig a giant hole in the ground, redirect traffic and pedestrians for their own safety, and set up the push camera to enter the pipe for inspection. While this worked back in the day, visual inspections have proven to be less than effective.

Why Are Visual Large Pipe Inspections Aren’t 100% Reliable?

During a visual large pipe inspection, a push camera is the only tool used. The visuals and pictures taken by the old school tech are usually very low-quality, grainy, and dark. Underground pipes lack the proper lighting and may have a couple turns that a push camera cannot detect or access.

Because of several blind spots, lack of light, and low-quality footage, the technician’s repair recommendations are often less than accurate. The use of the push camera can also take several hours are it involves manually pushing the camera down the pipes. Although experienced large pipe inspectors can easily spot major areas of concern, solely relying on the visuals doesn’t offer reliable information.

Why Are Robots The Future Of Large Pipe Inspections?

Today, the experts in large pipe inspection, Houston, Texas rely on a handy team member for help, their robot inspectors. Here are the benefits of using robots to do the inspection:

Benefit #1: Robots Are Large Enough To Carry A Light Source

The robots being used to do the large pipe inspections are larger compared to the push camera. They are large enough that a light source can be installed with the robot to avoid dark and grainy videos with several blind spots.

Benefit #2: Better Footage Quality

Since the robots are high-tech, they also come equipped with better cameras and recording options. This allows technicians to review the footage in detail before offering a diagnosis and any repair or replacement recommendations. All flaws, big and small can be identified better, problems can be isolated, and the correct repairs made without any second-guessing.

Benefit #3: Precise And Accurate Controls

Unlike the push cameras where a technician can only push forward, robots can be precisely and accurately controlled. With these controls, all corners, every crack, and crevice can be explored. Once the entire large pipe has been inspected by the robot, the controls will allow the technician to retrieve the robot with minimal effort.

Benefit #4: Safer For All

Since there is no need to dig a large hole to accommodate the robot, the risk of injuring pedestrians or causing a traffic jam is very low. Technicians can use the robot remotely and aren’t required to stand near the pipe entrance to get the information they need.

Benefit #5: Save Money

With better footage and accurate identification of flaws, damages, and pipe problems the risk of repairing the wrong parts is very minimal. Fewer errors in judgment and repairs result in more savings, which is always a benefit. Finally, inspections done with a robot are also completed sooner and are less labor-intensive, meaning more affordable service fees.

Advanced Pipe Repair offers large pipe inspection, Houston, Texas using the latest technologies and strategies. Contact us today for more info.

Back To Top